Art Up Front

Images Copyright 2008 by David Battle

The Springfield (Ohio) Museum of Art presents David Battle’s original drawings and paintings created specifically for covers of the Antioch Review. "Art Up Front… and What’s Behind It” shows the evolution of the artist’s creative process, from rough sketches to finished magazine covers. The exhibit continues through Nov. 15.

According to Robert Fogarty, Antioch Review Editor, the cover art is as much a part of the creative heritage of the Antioch Review as the notable literary works they have published over their 67 year history. “We wanted to call attention to the magnificent work David had done on behalf of the Antioch Review over the past several decades. This is our way of honoring him and his wonderful contribution,” says Fogarty. Mr. Battle has been Design Editor for the Antioch Review since 1978. He also designed the Peace Corp poster and commemorative stamp. A graduate of the Central London School of Art, he has won five Graphis Annual awards, received three Ohio Arts Council project grants, and has seen his work exhibited in England, Ireland and Israel. He has won thirty art director awards and was a winner in an international ICOGRDA competition.

Fogarty and Battle will team up to provide a Guided Gallery Tour of the exhibition October 23 at 6:00 p.m. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Visitors can view the David Battle exhibit free at The Springfield Museum of Art, located at 107 Cliff Park Road, Springfield, OH, one block north of West North Street (state route 40), between North Fountain Blvd and Plum Street. It is easily accessible from Interstate 70 and routes 68 and 72. Springfield is convenient to Dayton and Columbus. Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The museum is open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays and closed on Mondays. Call 937-325-4673 for more information.

The Antioch Review, founded in 1941, is one of the oldest, continuously publishing literary magazines in America. Ranked among the elite literary journals, it publishes fiction, essays, and poetry from both emerging as well as established authors. Mr. Fogarty, editor since 1977, hopes to see the David Battle exhibition travel. Inquiries can be directed to the Antioch Review at P.O. Box 148, Yellow Springs, OH, 45387, (937) 769-1365. www.review.antioch.edu.